MISTAKEN FOR NPA | Army keeps mum about soldiers who shot boy dead in Davao City

From InterAksyon (Apr 8): MISTAKEN FOR NPA | Army keeps mum about soldiers who shot boy dead in Davao City

Reports reaching Manila indicated that the command of the Philippine Army's 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, whose elite unit was tagged for the fatal shooting of a 12—year-old boy on April 1 in Davao City has been tight-lipped about the names of the seven soldiers belonging to its 6th Scout Ranger Company (6SRC) who figured in the incident.

The boy's uncle survived the shooting.

According to the division spokesman, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, the aggrieved family of Daniel Ferrer did not press charges, although, as far as military law is concerned, there is a case against the perpetrators of the killing.

"While it is true that the parents of Daniel voluntarily executed an affidavit of desistance, this will not preclude the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which is the parent unit of the 2SRB, from conducting further investigation in order to determine any administrative liability of the soldiers in this unfortunate incident," Batchar said.

"The seven soldiers are now restricted to barracks while the investigation is on-going. As of now, their names are being withheld until the investigation has clearly established their involvement. The BOI (Board of Inquiry) and the investigation to be made by SOCOM will not preclude any investigation that may be conducted by other agencies," he added.

The military described the incident as an "accidental shooting" that happened in Sitio Mitundo, Barangay Baracatan in Toril district.

Earlier, Batchar said the elite forces were on combat operation when they spotted the boy and a companion carrying what appeared to be a gun. The boy was later identified as Daniel Ferrer and his companion was his uncle Danny Pile.

The soldiers fired at the Ferrer and Pile.

"One was able to jump for cover and run away, leaving behind his firearm," Batchar was quoted as saying in a report.

He said the "firearm" that Pile was carrying turned out to be an airgun.

Batchar said the soldiers violated the Rules of Engagement.

"First, the troops failed to exercise due diligence to ascertain their target before discharging their firearms, contrary to the provision in Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan ROE on the use of force against the enemy, which states that 'identification of target must be by visual means'," he said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/126184/mistaken-for-npa--army-keeps-mum-about-soldiers-who-shot-boy-dead-in-davao-city